This work reports synthesis, thin film characterizations, and study of an organic semiconductor 2... more This work reports synthesis, thin film characterizations, and study of an organic semiconductor 2-aminoanthraquinone (AAq) for humidity and temperature sensing applications. The morphological and phase studies of AAq thin films are carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. To study the sensing properties of AAq, a surface type Au/AAq/Au sensor is fabricated by thermally depositing a 60 nm layer of AAq at a pressure of ~10−5 mbar on a pre-patterned gold (Au) electrodes with inter-electrode gap of 45 µm. To measure sensing capability of the Au/AAq/Au device, the variations in its capacitance and resistance are studied as a function of humidity and temperature. The Au/AAq/Au device measures and exhibits a linear change in capacitance and resistance when relative humidity (%RH) and temperature are varied. The AAq is a hydrophobic material which makes it one of the best candidates to be used as an active materi...
Herein, we report thin films’ characterizations and photovoltaic properties of an organic semicon... more Herein, we report thin films’ characterizations and photovoltaic properties of an organic semiconductor zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc). To study the former, a 100 nm thick film of ZnPc is thermally deposited on quartz glass by using vacuum thermal evaporator at 1.5 × 10−6 mbar. Surface features of the ZnPc film are studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) with in situ energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and atomic force microscope (AFM) which reveal uniform film growth, grain sizes and shapes with slight random distribution of the grains. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies are carried out of the ZnPc thin films to measure its optical bandgap (1.55 eV and 3.08 eV) as well as to study chemical composition and bond-dynamics. To explore photovoltaic properties of ZnPc, an Ag/ZnPc/PEDOT:PSS/ITO cell is fabricated by spin coating a 20 nm thick film of hole transport layer (HTL)—poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(sty...
Testis cords are the embryonic precursors of the seminiferous tubules. Development of testis cord... more Testis cords are the embryonic precursors of the seminiferous tubules. Development of testis cords is a key event during embryonic testicular morphogenesis and is regulated by multiple signaling molecules produced by Sertoli cells. However, the exact nature and the cascade of molecular events underlying testis cord development remain to be uncovered. In the current study, we explored the role of DNA damage binding protein 1 (DDB1) in Sertoli cells during mouse testis cord development. The genetic ablation of Ddb1 specifically in Sertoli cells resulted in the compromised Sertoli cell proliferation and disruption of testis cord remodeling in neonatal mice. This testicular dysgenesis persisted through adulthood, resulting in smaller testis and low sperm production. Mechanistically, we observed that the DDB1 degradation can stabilize SET domain-containing lysine methyltransferase 8 (SET8), which subsequently decreases the phosphorylation of SMAD2, an essential intracellular component of...
A large body of data has established the hypothalamic kisspeptin (KP) and its receptor, KISS1R, a... more A large body of data has established the hypothalamic kisspeptin (KP) and its receptor, KISS1R, as major players in the activation of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis at the time of puberty and maintenance of reproductive capacity in the adult. Due to its strategic location, this ligand-receptor pair acts as an integrator of cues from gonadal steroids as well as of circadian and seasonal variation-related information on the reproductive axis. Besides these cues, the activity of the hypothalamic KP signaling is very sensitive to the current metabolic status of the body. In conditions of energy imbalance, either positive or negative, a number of alterations in the hypothalamic KP signaling pathway have been documented in different mammalian models including nonhuman primates and human. Deficiency of metabolic fuels during fasting causes a marked reduction of Kiss1 gene transcript levels in the hypothalamus and, hence, decreases the output of KP-containing neurons. Food intake or exogenous supply of metabolic cues, such as leptin, reverses metabolic insufficiency-related changes in the hypothalamic KP signaling. Likewise, alterations in Kiss1 expression have also been reported in other situations of energy imbalance like diabetes and obesity. Information related to the body's current metabolic status reaches to KP neurons both directly as well as indirectly via a complex network of other neurons. In this review article, we have provided an updated summary of the available literature on the regulation of the hypothalamic KP-Kiss1r signaling by metabolic cues. In particular, the potential mechanisms of metabolic impact on the hypothalamic KP-Kiss1r signaling, in light of available evidence, are discussed.
Stress activates gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA... more Stress activates gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) and represses hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG-axis) but RF9 administration relieves stress-induced repression of the HPG-axis. Importantly, it was not known whether GnIH signaling and RF9 synthetic peptide modulate the HPA axis. To assess this, mammalian orthologs of GnIH (RFRP-1 and RFRP-3) and RF9 were administered to intact adult male rhesus monkeys. RFRP-1 (125μg/animal), RFRP-3 (250μg/animal) and RF9 (0.1mg/kg BW) were intravenously (iv) injected into normal fed (n=4) monkeys. Additionally, a single bolus iv injection of RF9 (0.1mg/kg BW) was also administered to 48h fasted monkeys (n=4) to check the effects of RF9 signaling on an activated HPA-axis. Serial blood samples were collected, centrifuged and the obtained plasma was used for the analysis of cortisol by specific enzyme immunoassay. RFRP-1 treatment significantly increased cortisol levels while RFRP-3 increased the plasma cortisol, but the effect was non-significant. RF9 treatment significantly increased cortisol levels in normal fed animals. In contrast, RF9 injection did not significantly alter circulating cortisol in fasted monkeys. In conclusion, our results suggest stimulatory action of RFRPs and RF9 on the HPA axis in the adult male monkeys. However, the mechanism and site of action of RFRP-1 and RF9 along the HPA-axis is still unknown. Therefore, further studies are needed to decipher the mechanism and site of action of RFRPs and RF9 on the HPA axis in primates.
Recently, kisspeptin (KP) and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), two counteracting neuropept... more Recently, kisspeptin (KP) and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), two counteracting neuropeptides, have been acknowledged as significant regulators of reproductive function. KP stimulates reproduction while GnIH inhibits it. These two neuropeptides seem to be pivotal for the modulation of reproductive activity in response to internal and external cues. It is well-documented that the current metabolic status of the body is closely linked to its reproductive output. However, how reproductive function is regulated by the body's energy status is less clear. Recent studies have suggested an active participation of hypothalamic KP and GnIH in the modulation of reproductive function according to available metabolic cues. Expression of KISS1, the KP encoding gene, is decreased while expression of RFRP (NPVF), the gene encoding GnIH, is increased in metabolic deficiency conditions. The lower levels of KP, as suggested by a decrease in KISS1 gene mRNA expression, during metabolic defi...
Objective: To identify knowledge and practises of nurses regarding infection control in the use o... more Objective: To identify knowledge and practises of nurses regarding infection control in the use of urethral catheter and associated urinary tract infection in private tertiary care hospital Peshawar. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the current knowledge of nurses regarding urinary catheter care. The study was also focused on practises and standard guidelines about urinary catheter care of nurses in private tertiary care hospitals. Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among nurses in private tertiary care hospital Peshawar. Participants were selected through convenient sampling technique. The data was collected through a self-developed structured questionnaire. Results: Out of 70 participants the gender distribution was 11.1% (male) and 86.1% (female). The mean knowledge of participants was 66% with standard deviation 25.3%. The Mean practise was 56.43% with Standard deviation 14.94%. Independent t-test was applied to identify the association between knowledge of participants with year of experience which was not significant. One-way Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) test was applied to identify association between knowledge with years of practise which was significant p=0.024. Conclusion: The study result was alarming to know that the nurses had low knowledge, and poor practises about infection control in the use of urethral catheter. This indicates that nurses need to be educated and trained more on infection control in the use of urethral catheter.
International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 2017
Recent research has seen remarkable advancement in the field of Under Water Sensor Networks (UWSN... more Recent research has seen remarkable advancement in the field of Under Water Sensor Networks (UWSNs). Many different protocols are developed in the recent years in this domain. As these protocols can be categorized in a variety of ways according to the mechanisms and functionalities they follow, hence it becomes important to understand their principal working. In this research we have introduced three analysis methods; Clustering based, Localization based and Cooperation based routing by selecting some recent routing protocols in the field of UWSN and presented a comparative analysis according to the categories in which they lie. This research has been taken theoretically and is qualitative one. Also a detail analysis of their key advantages and flaws are also identified in this research.
A large body of data suggests that body weight influences puberty onset and adult reproduction. H... more A large body of data suggests that body weight influences puberty onset and adult reproduction. However, the underlying mechanism of how body weight influences puberty onset and fertility is not completely understood. The hypothalamic neuronal circuit regulating reproduction is restrained by inhibitory signals during childhood. At the time of puberty, these inhibitory signals are weakened and supplanted by stimulatory signals that, in turn, stimulate the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) - a hypothalamic neuropeptide governing reproduction. A number of studies, however, suggest that puberty commencement occurs when body (fat) weight reaches a certain threshold, which is critical for the initiation of puberty and for support of the adult reproductive function. Previously, various signals have been studied which might link body (fat) weight-related information to the hypothalamic neuronal network regulating reproduction. However, the nature of the signal(s) that may link body fat and/or muscle mass with the hypothalamic neuronal network governing reproduction is still unclear. It has been intuitively speculated that augmentation of such signal(s) will cause a restriction of inhibitory input and activation of stimulatory input to GnRH secreting neurons at the time of puberty onset. Therefore, the unveiling of such signal(s) will greatly help in understanding the mechanism of puberty onset. Recently, it has been shown that expression of fibronectin type III domain containing-5 (FNDC5) mRNA in central and peripheral tissues upsurges during postnatal development, especially around the time of puberty onset. Moreover, the systemic level of irisin - one of the protein products of the FNDC5 gene that is secreted as myokine and adipokine - also rises during postnatal development and correlates with the timing of puberty onset. Therefore, we propose here that irisin might serve as a possible signal for linking body fat/muscle mass with the hypothalamic center governing reproductive function. We hypothesize that irisin acts as a trigger for the activation of the hypothalamic neuronal network monitoring the onset of puberty.
ABSTRACT Herein, the organic semiconductor methyl orange (MO), is investigated for the first time... more ABSTRACT Herein, the organic semiconductor methyl orange (MO), is investigated for the first time for its electronic applications. For this purpose, Al/MO/n-Si heterojunction is fabricated through economical cheap and simple “drop casting” technique. The current-voltage (I-V) measurements of the device are made at room temperature under dark conditions. The I-V characteristics of Al/MO/n-Si junction exhibits asymmetrical and rectifying behavior that confirms the formation of diode. The diode parameters such as rectification ratio (RR), turn on voltage (Vturn on), reverse saturation current (I0), ideality factor (n), barrier height ( b φ ), series resistance (Rs) and shunt resistance (Rsh) are determined from I-V curves using Schottky equations. These values of these parameters are also extracted and verified by applying Cheung’s functions. The conduction mechanisms are explained from the forward bias I-V characteristics using the power law.
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2016
A benzothiadiazole based solution-processable organic dye D1 (N 4-Phenyl-N 4 ,N 7 ,N 7-tri{4-[(2-... more A benzothiadiazole based solution-processable organic dye D1 (N 4-Phenyl-N 4 ,N 7 ,N 7-tri{4-[(2-ethoxycar-bonyl)-2-cyanovinyl]phenyl}benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole-4,7-diamine) was synthesized. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated based on D1 and a commercially available benzothiadiazole based RK1 dye. The photo-voltaic parameters of these cells were studied under simulated AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW cm-2). The DSSC sensitized by RK1 dye provided a power conversion efficiency of 5.7 % with high values of short-circuit pho-tocurrent density, open-circuit photovoltage, and fill factor. Under the same conditions, the cell sensitized with D1 dye showed a very poor performance due to the lower values of short-circuit photocurrent density and open-circuit photo-voltage. In order to provide insight into poor performance of the DSSC sensitized by D1, molecular structure of D1 was analyzed by density functional theory. Its frontier orbitals were calculated to investigate effectiveness of charge transport and reasons of the poor performance. This computational study revealed that the photovoltaic performance of the benzothiadiazole based DSSCs can be enhanced significantly by inserting a phenyl ring between the benzothiadiazole unit and the anchoring group.
Kisspeptin is a peptide hormone, which signals via the G-protein-coupled kisspeptin receptor (KIS... more Kisspeptin is a peptide hormone, which signals via the G-protein-coupled kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R). Kisspeptin-KISS1R signalling has been implicated in various physiological and pathophysiological processes in the urogenital system, including critical roles in ovarian function as a key player in the regulation of oocyte development. Kisspeptin also has roles in several different functions of the male reproductive tract, such as spermatogenesis and sperm capacitation, and is also thought to be involved in kidney physiology - studies in preclinical animal models have reported that expression of kisspeptin and/or KISS1R is altered in chronically impaired kidneys. The wider importance of kisspeptin action in the urogenital tract has been highlighted by the finding that it suppresses metastasis of urogenital carcinomas; besides the possible therapeutic potential of this finding, tissue and tumour-stage-specific alterations in kisspeptin and KISS1/KISS1R expression could potentially be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of urogenital carcinomas.
This work reports synthesis, thin film characterizations, and study of an organic semiconductor 2... more This work reports synthesis, thin film characterizations, and study of an organic semiconductor 2-aminoanthraquinone (AAq) for humidity and temperature sensing applications. The morphological and phase studies of AAq thin films are carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. To study the sensing properties of AAq, a surface type Au/AAq/Au sensor is fabricated by thermally depositing a 60 nm layer of AAq at a pressure of ~10−5 mbar on a pre-patterned gold (Au) electrodes with inter-electrode gap of 45 µm. To measure sensing capability of the Au/AAq/Au device, the variations in its capacitance and resistance are studied as a function of humidity and temperature. The Au/AAq/Au device measures and exhibits a linear change in capacitance and resistance when relative humidity (%RH) and temperature are varied. The AAq is a hydrophobic material which makes it one of the best candidates to be used as an active materi...
Herein, we report thin films’ characterizations and photovoltaic properties of an organic semicon... more Herein, we report thin films’ characterizations and photovoltaic properties of an organic semiconductor zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc). To study the former, a 100 nm thick film of ZnPc is thermally deposited on quartz glass by using vacuum thermal evaporator at 1.5 × 10−6 mbar. Surface features of the ZnPc film are studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) with in situ energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and atomic force microscope (AFM) which reveal uniform film growth, grain sizes and shapes with slight random distribution of the grains. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies are carried out of the ZnPc thin films to measure its optical bandgap (1.55 eV and 3.08 eV) as well as to study chemical composition and bond-dynamics. To explore photovoltaic properties of ZnPc, an Ag/ZnPc/PEDOT:PSS/ITO cell is fabricated by spin coating a 20 nm thick film of hole transport layer (HTL)—poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(sty...
Testis cords are the embryonic precursors of the seminiferous tubules. Development of testis cord... more Testis cords are the embryonic precursors of the seminiferous tubules. Development of testis cords is a key event during embryonic testicular morphogenesis and is regulated by multiple signaling molecules produced by Sertoli cells. However, the exact nature and the cascade of molecular events underlying testis cord development remain to be uncovered. In the current study, we explored the role of DNA damage binding protein 1 (DDB1) in Sertoli cells during mouse testis cord development. The genetic ablation of Ddb1 specifically in Sertoli cells resulted in the compromised Sertoli cell proliferation and disruption of testis cord remodeling in neonatal mice. This testicular dysgenesis persisted through adulthood, resulting in smaller testis and low sperm production. Mechanistically, we observed that the DDB1 degradation can stabilize SET domain-containing lysine methyltransferase 8 (SET8), which subsequently decreases the phosphorylation of SMAD2, an essential intracellular component of...
A large body of data has established the hypothalamic kisspeptin (KP) and its receptor, KISS1R, a... more A large body of data has established the hypothalamic kisspeptin (KP) and its receptor, KISS1R, as major players in the activation of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis at the time of puberty and maintenance of reproductive capacity in the adult. Due to its strategic location, this ligand-receptor pair acts as an integrator of cues from gonadal steroids as well as of circadian and seasonal variation-related information on the reproductive axis. Besides these cues, the activity of the hypothalamic KP signaling is very sensitive to the current metabolic status of the body. In conditions of energy imbalance, either positive or negative, a number of alterations in the hypothalamic KP signaling pathway have been documented in different mammalian models including nonhuman primates and human. Deficiency of metabolic fuels during fasting causes a marked reduction of Kiss1 gene transcript levels in the hypothalamus and, hence, decreases the output of KP-containing neurons. Food intake or exogenous supply of metabolic cues, such as leptin, reverses metabolic insufficiency-related changes in the hypothalamic KP signaling. Likewise, alterations in Kiss1 expression have also been reported in other situations of energy imbalance like diabetes and obesity. Information related to the body's current metabolic status reaches to KP neurons both directly as well as indirectly via a complex network of other neurons. In this review article, we have provided an updated summary of the available literature on the regulation of the hypothalamic KP-Kiss1r signaling by metabolic cues. In particular, the potential mechanisms of metabolic impact on the hypothalamic KP-Kiss1r signaling, in light of available evidence, are discussed.
Stress activates gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA... more Stress activates gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) and represses hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG-axis) but RF9 administration relieves stress-induced repression of the HPG-axis. Importantly, it was not known whether GnIH signaling and RF9 synthetic peptide modulate the HPA axis. To assess this, mammalian orthologs of GnIH (RFRP-1 and RFRP-3) and RF9 were administered to intact adult male rhesus monkeys. RFRP-1 (125μg/animal), RFRP-3 (250μg/animal) and RF9 (0.1mg/kg BW) were intravenously (iv) injected into normal fed (n=4) monkeys. Additionally, a single bolus iv injection of RF9 (0.1mg/kg BW) was also administered to 48h fasted monkeys (n=4) to check the effects of RF9 signaling on an activated HPA-axis. Serial blood samples were collected, centrifuged and the obtained plasma was used for the analysis of cortisol by specific enzyme immunoassay. RFRP-1 treatment significantly increased cortisol levels while RFRP-3 increased the plasma cortisol, but the effect was non-significant. RF9 treatment significantly increased cortisol levels in normal fed animals. In contrast, RF9 injection did not significantly alter circulating cortisol in fasted monkeys. In conclusion, our results suggest stimulatory action of RFRPs and RF9 on the HPA axis in the adult male monkeys. However, the mechanism and site of action of RFRP-1 and RF9 along the HPA-axis is still unknown. Therefore, further studies are needed to decipher the mechanism and site of action of RFRPs and RF9 on the HPA axis in primates.
Recently, kisspeptin (KP) and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), two counteracting neuropept... more Recently, kisspeptin (KP) and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), two counteracting neuropeptides, have been acknowledged as significant regulators of reproductive function. KP stimulates reproduction while GnIH inhibits it. These two neuropeptides seem to be pivotal for the modulation of reproductive activity in response to internal and external cues. It is well-documented that the current metabolic status of the body is closely linked to its reproductive output. However, how reproductive function is regulated by the body's energy status is less clear. Recent studies have suggested an active participation of hypothalamic KP and GnIH in the modulation of reproductive function according to available metabolic cues. Expression of KISS1, the KP encoding gene, is decreased while expression of RFRP (NPVF), the gene encoding GnIH, is increased in metabolic deficiency conditions. The lower levels of KP, as suggested by a decrease in KISS1 gene mRNA expression, during metabolic defi...
Objective: To identify knowledge and practises of nurses regarding infection control in the use o... more Objective: To identify knowledge and practises of nurses regarding infection control in the use of urethral catheter and associated urinary tract infection in private tertiary care hospital Peshawar. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the current knowledge of nurses regarding urinary catheter care. The study was also focused on practises and standard guidelines about urinary catheter care of nurses in private tertiary care hospitals. Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among nurses in private tertiary care hospital Peshawar. Participants were selected through convenient sampling technique. The data was collected through a self-developed structured questionnaire. Results: Out of 70 participants the gender distribution was 11.1% (male) and 86.1% (female). The mean knowledge of participants was 66% with standard deviation 25.3%. The Mean practise was 56.43% with Standard deviation 14.94%. Independent t-test was applied to identify the association between knowledge of participants with year of experience which was not significant. One-way Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) test was applied to identify association between knowledge with years of practise which was significant p=0.024. Conclusion: The study result was alarming to know that the nurses had low knowledge, and poor practises about infection control in the use of urethral catheter. This indicates that nurses need to be educated and trained more on infection control in the use of urethral catheter.
International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 2017
Recent research has seen remarkable advancement in the field of Under Water Sensor Networks (UWSN... more Recent research has seen remarkable advancement in the field of Under Water Sensor Networks (UWSNs). Many different protocols are developed in the recent years in this domain. As these protocols can be categorized in a variety of ways according to the mechanisms and functionalities they follow, hence it becomes important to understand their principal working. In this research we have introduced three analysis methods; Clustering based, Localization based and Cooperation based routing by selecting some recent routing protocols in the field of UWSN and presented a comparative analysis according to the categories in which they lie. This research has been taken theoretically and is qualitative one. Also a detail analysis of their key advantages and flaws are also identified in this research.
A large body of data suggests that body weight influences puberty onset and adult reproduction. H... more A large body of data suggests that body weight influences puberty onset and adult reproduction. However, the underlying mechanism of how body weight influences puberty onset and fertility is not completely understood. The hypothalamic neuronal circuit regulating reproduction is restrained by inhibitory signals during childhood. At the time of puberty, these inhibitory signals are weakened and supplanted by stimulatory signals that, in turn, stimulate the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) - a hypothalamic neuropeptide governing reproduction. A number of studies, however, suggest that puberty commencement occurs when body (fat) weight reaches a certain threshold, which is critical for the initiation of puberty and for support of the adult reproductive function. Previously, various signals have been studied which might link body (fat) weight-related information to the hypothalamic neuronal network regulating reproduction. However, the nature of the signal(s) that may link body fat and/or muscle mass with the hypothalamic neuronal network governing reproduction is still unclear. It has been intuitively speculated that augmentation of such signal(s) will cause a restriction of inhibitory input and activation of stimulatory input to GnRH secreting neurons at the time of puberty onset. Therefore, the unveiling of such signal(s) will greatly help in understanding the mechanism of puberty onset. Recently, it has been shown that expression of fibronectin type III domain containing-5 (FNDC5) mRNA in central and peripheral tissues upsurges during postnatal development, especially around the time of puberty onset. Moreover, the systemic level of irisin - one of the protein products of the FNDC5 gene that is secreted as myokine and adipokine - also rises during postnatal development and correlates with the timing of puberty onset. Therefore, we propose here that irisin might serve as a possible signal for linking body fat/muscle mass with the hypothalamic center governing reproductive function. We hypothesize that irisin acts as a trigger for the activation of the hypothalamic neuronal network monitoring the onset of puberty.
ABSTRACT Herein, the organic semiconductor methyl orange (MO), is investigated for the first time... more ABSTRACT Herein, the organic semiconductor methyl orange (MO), is investigated for the first time for its electronic applications. For this purpose, Al/MO/n-Si heterojunction is fabricated through economical cheap and simple “drop casting” technique. The current-voltage (I-V) measurements of the device are made at room temperature under dark conditions. The I-V characteristics of Al/MO/n-Si junction exhibits asymmetrical and rectifying behavior that confirms the formation of diode. The diode parameters such as rectification ratio (RR), turn on voltage (Vturn on), reverse saturation current (I0), ideality factor (n), barrier height ( b φ ), series resistance (Rs) and shunt resistance (Rsh) are determined from I-V curves using Schottky equations. These values of these parameters are also extracted and verified by applying Cheung’s functions. The conduction mechanisms are explained from the forward bias I-V characteristics using the power law.
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2016
A benzothiadiazole based solution-processable organic dye D1 (N 4-Phenyl-N 4 ,N 7 ,N 7-tri{4-[(2-... more A benzothiadiazole based solution-processable organic dye D1 (N 4-Phenyl-N 4 ,N 7 ,N 7-tri{4-[(2-ethoxycar-bonyl)-2-cyanovinyl]phenyl}benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole-4,7-diamine) was synthesized. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated based on D1 and a commercially available benzothiadiazole based RK1 dye. The photo-voltaic parameters of these cells were studied under simulated AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW cm-2). The DSSC sensitized by RK1 dye provided a power conversion efficiency of 5.7 % with high values of short-circuit pho-tocurrent density, open-circuit photovoltage, and fill factor. Under the same conditions, the cell sensitized with D1 dye showed a very poor performance due to the lower values of short-circuit photocurrent density and open-circuit photo-voltage. In order to provide insight into poor performance of the DSSC sensitized by D1, molecular structure of D1 was analyzed by density functional theory. Its frontier orbitals were calculated to investigate effectiveness of charge transport and reasons of the poor performance. This computational study revealed that the photovoltaic performance of the benzothiadiazole based DSSCs can be enhanced significantly by inserting a phenyl ring between the benzothiadiazole unit and the anchoring group.
Kisspeptin is a peptide hormone, which signals via the G-protein-coupled kisspeptin receptor (KIS... more Kisspeptin is a peptide hormone, which signals via the G-protein-coupled kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R). Kisspeptin-KISS1R signalling has been implicated in various physiological and pathophysiological processes in the urogenital system, including critical roles in ovarian function as a key player in the regulation of oocyte development. Kisspeptin also has roles in several different functions of the male reproductive tract, such as spermatogenesis and sperm capacitation, and is also thought to be involved in kidney physiology - studies in preclinical animal models have reported that expression of kisspeptin and/or KISS1R is altered in chronically impaired kidneys. The wider importance of kisspeptin action in the urogenital tract has been highlighted by the finding that it suppresses metastasis of urogenital carcinomas; besides the possible therapeutic potential of this finding, tissue and tumour-stage-specific alterations in kisspeptin and KISS1/KISS1R expression could potentially be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of urogenital carcinomas.
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Papers by Fazal Wahab